The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, in 1957.
Sputnik 1 lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on 4 October 1957 aboard a modified R-7 rocket. The small polished sphere transmitted simple radio beeps that could be detected by tracking stations and, under suitable conditions, by radio amateurs around the world.
The launch marked the beginning of the Space Age and intensified the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States. Sputnik’s success demonstrated that the Soviet Union could place objects into orbit and helped prompt major American investment in science and engineering education.
Sputnik 1 remained in orbit for about three months before atmospheric drag caused it to re-enter on 4 January 1958. Sputnik 2 followed a month later and carried Laika, the first animal to orbit Earth.